Dual-Polarized, Hardness-Reinforced Antenna Array for Harsh Environments

The present disclosure relates in general to antenna-based electronic communications systems deployed in harsh environments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a dual-polarized, hardness-reinforced antenna array for use in harsh environments. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced antenna array includes a deformation resistant material such as a metal; and the harsh environment includes a deep-space environment.

The terms “mission” and/or “exploration” have been used to describe human efforts to travel into unknown regions to discover and learn. Such missions/explorations have been on land over all types of terrains (e.g., mountains, caves, and the like); underground at various depths; through bodies of water at various depths; in the air within Earth's atmosphere; and beyond earth's atmosphere into space. As used herein, the terms “mission,” “exploration,” and equivalents thereof identify travel through and to any type of land-based, underground, water-based, earth-atmosphere-based, and space-based region for purposes of learning about such regions.

A non-limiting example of human exploration/missions is space exploration. A common type of space exploration uses astronomy and various forms of space technology to explore outer space. While this type of space exploration is carried out mainly by astronomers with telescopes, physical space exploration is conducted both by uncrewed robotic space probes and human spaceflight. Space exploration, like its classical form astronomy, is one of the main sources for space science. Deep-space exploration (i.e., a type of deep-mission exploration) is the branch of astronomy, astronautics and space technology that is involved with exploring the distant regions of outer space. Using Earth as the home planet, deep-space is the region of space beyond the dark side of Earth's Moon, including Lagrange 2 (or L2) (274,000 miles from Earth) and asteroids. L2 is one of five Sun-Earth Lagrange points, which are positions in space where the gravitational pull of the Sun and Earth combine such that small objects in that region have the same orbital period (length of year) as Earth. Some Lagrange points are being used for space exploration. Two important Lagrange points in the Sun-Earth system are L1, between the Sun and Earth, and L2, on the same line at the opposite side of the Earth. Both L1 and L2 are well outside the Moon's orbit. Currently, an artificial satellite called the deep space climate observatory (DSCOVR) is located at L1 to study solar wind coming toward Earth from the Sun and to monitor Earth's climate by taking images and sending them back. The James Webb Space Telescope, which is a powerful infrared space observatory, is located at L2. This allows the satellite's large sunshield to protect the telescope from the light and heat of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

For spacecraft that perform deep-space missions, antenna systems are used to establish the long-distance downlink-to-earth RF communication links while also supporting spacecraft operations. The long-distance communications path and harsh environmental conditions associated with deep-space missions present challenges when designing and implementing deep-space spacecraft antennas.

Disclosed is an antenna structure that includes antenna elements mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a faceplate. The antenna structure further includes a dual-polarity coupler electronically coupled to the antenna elements. The dual polarity coupler is operable to transmit a first type of electronic communication having a first polarity type, as well as a second type of electronic communication have a second polarity type. The antenna elements include exposed surfaces that include a first deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna structure further includes a feed network electronically coupled between the dual-polarity coupler and the antenna elements, where the feed network includes a second deformation resistant material

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network is mechanically coupled to a dielectric substrate region of a feed network support, and the feed network support is mechanically coupled to the faceplate.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network is mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a feed network support, and the feed network support is mechanically coupled to the faceplate.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna structure further includes a backplane housing mechanically coupled to the feed network support, where the backplane housing includes a third deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the first deformation resistant material includes a first metal material; the second deformation resistant material includes a second metal material: and the third deformation resistant material includes a third metal material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna elements comprise a first antenna element and a second antenna element; the non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate includes a first cavity having cavity sidewalls; and the first antenna element is mechanically coupled to the non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate through the first cavity such that a first cavity gap is defined between the first antenna element and the cavity sidewalls. A portion of the cavity sidewalls and a portion of the first cavity gap are between the first antenna element and the second antenna element. The portion of the first cavity sidewalls is operable to reduce mutual coupling between the first antenna element and the second antenna element.

Embodiments of the disclosure are also directed methods of forming and using the above-described antenna structure having substantially the same features, functionality, and combinations of features and functionality described above.

Disclosed is an antenna structure that includes an antenna array having antenna elements mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a faceplate. The antenna structure further includes a dual-polarity coupler electronically coupled to the antenna elements. The dual polarity coupler is operable to transmit a first type of electronic communication having a first polarity type, as well as a second type of electronic communication have a second polarity type. Each of the antenna elements includes exposed surfaces, and the exposed surfaces of each of the antenna elements include one or more types of a first deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna structure further includes a feed network electronically coupled between the dual-polarity coupler and the antenna elements, where the feed network includes one or more types of a second deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network is mechanically coupled to a dielectric substrate region of a feed network support, and the feed network support is mechanically coupled to the faceplate.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network includes a first feed network layer and a second feed network layer; a connection between the feed network and the second feed network layer does not comprises a via; and the feed network is mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a feed network support.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network is mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a feed network support, and the feed network support is mechanically coupled to the faceplate.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna structure further includes a backplane housing mechanically coupled to the feed network support, where the backplane housing includes one or more types of a third deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the first deformation resistant material includes a first metal material; the second deformation resistant material includes a second metal material: and the third deformation resistant material includes a third metal material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna elements include a first antenna element and a second antenna element. The non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate includes a top surface having a first cavity and a second cavity. The first antenna element is mechanically coupled to the non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate through the first cavity, and the second antenna element is mechanically coupled to the non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate through the second cavity.

Embodiments of the disclosure are also directed methods of using the above-described antenna structure and antenna array having substantially the same features, functionality, and combinations of features and functionality described above.

Disclosed is a method of forming an antenna structure. The method includes forming an antenna array having antenna elements mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a faceplate. The method further includes electronically coupling a dual-polarity coupler to the antenna elements. The dual polarity coupler is operable to transmit a first type of electronic communication having a first polarity type, as well as a second type of electronic communication have a second polarity type. Each of the antenna elements includes exposed surfaces, and the exposed surfaces of each of the antenna elements include one or more types of a first deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the method further includes electronically coupling a feed network between the dual-polarity coupler and the antenna elements, where the feed network includes one or more types of a second deformation resistant material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network is mechanically coupled to a dielectric substrate region of a feed network support, and the feed network support is mechanically coupled to the faceplate.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the feed network is mechanically coupled to a non-dielectric substrate region of a feed network support, and the feed network support is mechanically coupled to the faceplate.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the first deformation resistant material includes a first metal material; and the second deformation resistant material includes a second metal material.

In addition to any one or more of the features described herein, the antenna elements include a first antenna element and a second antennal element. The non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate includes a top surface having a first cavity and a second cavity. The first antenna element is mechanically coupled to the non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate through the first cavity, and the second antenna element is mechanically coupled to the non-dielectric substrate region of the faceplate through the second cavity.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed technical concept. For a better understanding of the disclosure with the advantages and the features, refer to the description and to the drawings.

A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures.

As previously noted herein, the terms “mission” and/or “exploration” have been used to describe human efforts to travel into unknown regions to discover and learn. Such missions/explorations have been on land over all types of terrains (e.g., mountains, caves, and the like); underground at various depths; through bodies of water at various depths; in the air within Earth's atmosphere; and beyond earth's atmosphere into space. Thus, the terms “mission” and/or “exploration” are used herein to identify any type of land-based, underground, water-based, earth-atmosphere-based, and space-based travel for purposes of learning about such regions.

A non-limiting example of human exploration/mission activity is space exploration. A common type of space exploration uses astronomy and various forms of space technology to explore outer space. While this type of space exploration is carried out mainly by astronomers with telescopes, physical space exploration is conducted both by uncrewed robotic space probes and human spaceflight. Space exploration, like its classical form astronomy, is one of the main sources for space science. Deep-space exploration (i.e., a type of deep-mission exploration) is the branch of astronomy, astronautics and space technology that is involved with exploring the distant regions of outer space.is a diagram illustrating relative positions of the Earth, the Earth's Moonand Mars. Using the Earthas the home planet, deep-space is the region of space beyond the dark side of Earth's Moon, including Lagrange 2 (or L2) (˜274,000 miles from the Earth) and asteroids. L2 is one of five Sun-Earth Lagrange points, which are positions in space where the gravitational pull of the Sun (not shown) and the Earthcombine such that small objects in that region have the same orbital period (length of year) as the Earth.

U.S. and international space authorities have ambitious spaceflight schedules through the mid-21st century, which include manned and unmanned deep-space exploration. An example deep exploration is depicted inby the deep-mission station, which can be any type of manned or unmanned spacecraft that is within the atmosphere or on the surface of Mars. The deep-mission stationincludes a dual-polarized wireless communications system, which can be implemented to include features and functionality of various aspects of the present disclosure. In addition to functionality, spacecraft systems should meet both durability and reliability standards. This is particularly true for antenna system that are mounted to the exterior of the spacecraft. In general, antennas used in space applications must withstand harsh environmental effects due to launching activity and the space environment. During spacecraft launch, acoustic vibrations, shocks, mechanical stress based on static loads, dynamic loads and sudden atmospheric pressure fall occur. In addition, in the commissioning phase, pyrotechnical shocks are generated while deploying solar panels and payloads like deployable antennas. All of these conditions can adversely affect antenna systems attached to the spacecraft surface. After spacecraft launch, antenna systems are exposed to harsh space environmental conditions, including exposure to extreme heat and cold cycling, ultrahigh vacuum, atomic oxygen, high-energy radiation, and debris impact. Additionally, as shown in, the communication latencyfor electronic information transmitted between the Earthand Marsranges from about three (3) to about twenty-two (22) minutes each way, depending on a variety of factors. In comparison, the communications delayfor electronic information transmitted between Earth and a satellite in near-Earth orbit is about 1.3 seconds. Thus, antenna systems in deep-space missions need sufficient gain functionality to receive and transmit signals over a communications path having the communications latency.

Turning now to an overview of aspects of the disclosure, exemplary embodiments of the disclosure address the above-described issues by providing a novel dual-polarized, hardness-reinforced antenna array for use in harsh environments. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, the novel dual-polarized, hardness-reinforced antenna array can be incorporated within the dual-polarized wireless communications systemof the deep-mission stationshown in. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced antenna array includes a deformation resistant material such as a metal; and the harsh environment includes a deep-space environment. A common hazard in harsh space environments is collisions with moving objects in space. In embodiments of the disclosure, the deformation resistant material is a material that can absorb a relatively large one-time impact without substantial deformation of the impacted surface. The deformation resistant material's ability to absorb a relatively large one-time impact without substantial deformation of the impacted surface can be measured by the deformation resistant material's hardness. The SI unit of hardness is the Newton per square millimeter (N/mm). A variety of known testing methods can be used to determine a material's hardness. A commonality among all such testing methods is the use of an indenter to create an indentation on a test piece surface area. The indentation provides a tangible representation of the hardness of the material, and it is relatively easy to measure and replicate. A suitable testing method for measuring hardness is the Brinell hardness (BH) test, which measures hardness in so-called BH units according to Equation-1 depicted in. BH units can be converted to N/mmand vice versa. In accordance with embodiments of the disclosure, a deformation resistant material has a BH ranging from about 80 to about 165. In embodiments of the disclosure where the deformation resistant material is a metal, suitable metals include aluminum, brass and steel. In some embodiments of the disclosure where the deformation resistant material is a metal, suitable metals known commercially as 6061-T6 aluminum, 7075-T73 aluminum, C360 brass, and stainless steel.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced antenna array can be implemented as a high-gain antenna (HGA) array. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced antenna array can be implemented as a medium-gain antenna (MGA) array. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced HGA array can be implemented as an 8×8 array of sixty-four (64) dual-polarized patch antenna elements mounted on a non-dielectric faceplate. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced MGA array can be implemented as a 4×4 array of sixteen (16) dual-polarized patch antenna elements mounted on a non-dielectric faceplate. In general, the number of antennas elements within the array control the gain level. For ease of description, the present disclosure references features and functionality of hardness-reinforced HGA arrays and/or hardness-reinforced MGA arrays in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure. However, each feature and functionality described in connection with a HGA implementation of embodiments of the disclosure apply equally to MGA implementations of embodiments of the disclosure, and vice versa.

Conventional implementations of patch antennas in an antenna array include the use printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication techniques to form the patch antenna in a dielectric substrate. While forming patch antennas in a dielectric substrate would reduce the overall weight of the antenna array and leverage well established such PCB fabrication techniques, the dielectric material is not deformation-resistant and causes electrostatic discharge when combined with the metal antenna/grounding components of the antenna array. Embodiments of the disclosure avoid the shortcomings of dielectric substrates by mechanically coupling the dual-polarized patch antenna elements to the previously-described non-dielectric faceplate. Securing the dual-polarized patch antenna elements to the non-dielectric faceplate instead of a dielectric substrate mitigates the impact of electrostatic discharge, extreme cold/hot temperature conditions, and high particle radiation levels on antenna performance and the material's structural integrity that would result from the presence of a dielectric substrate instead of the non-dielectric faceplate. More specifically, forming the dual-polarized patch antenna elements from deformation-resistant material (e.g., one or more types of a metal or a metal alloy) and forming the faceplate from a non-dielectric material help to reduce the negative antenna performance that would result from the frequency shifting that results from the presence of dielectric materials around the dual-polarized patch antenna elements of the antenna array.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the non-dielectric faceplate has formed therein a plurality of cavity cells, and each of the deformation-resistant dual-polarized patch antenna elements is secured inside one of the cavity cells by mechanically coupling the deformation-resistant planar dual-polarity patch antenna element to a bottom surface of its corresponding cavity cell. In embodiments of the disclosure, the deformation-resistant dual-polarity antenna element is sized such that it does not completely fill its associated cavity cell and is spaced away from one or more sidewalls of the cavity cell, thereby forming at least one cavity gap between the deformation-resistant dual-polarity patch antenna element and one or more sidewalls of the cavity cell. Accordingly, each deformation-resistant, dual-polarity antenna element is separated from other deformation-resistant, dual-polarity antenna elements in the array by a gap (or air gap) and a cavity sidewall. In embodiments of the disclosure, the dimensions and locations of the cavity gaps and cavity sidewalls are selected to decrease the non-desired coupling from one deformation-resistant dual-polarity antenna element in the antenna array to the surrounding deformation-resistant dual-polarity antenna elements in the antenna array. In embodiments of the disclosure, the dimensions and locations of the cavity gaps and cavity sidewalls are further selected such that the cavity sidewalls and cavity gaps do not negatively impact the performance of each deformation-resistant, dual-polarity antenna element in the array.

In addition to the 8×8 array of sixty-four (64) deformation-resistant dual-polarized patch antenna elements mounted on a non-dielectric faceplate, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the hardness-reinforced HGA array further includes a feed network electronically coupled to the deformation-resistant dual-polarized patch antenna elements and mechanically coupled to and supported by a feed network housing/support. The non-dielectric faceplate is mechanically coupled to the feed network housing/support. Two separately-polarized connectors are coupled at one end to the feed network and at another end to downstream components (e.g., transceivershown in) of the dual-polarized wireless communications system(shown in). An optional deformation resistant backplane housing/cover can be mechanically coupled to the feed network housing/support.

In embodiments of the disclosure, some or all of the above-described components of the hardness-reinforced HGA array are hardness-reinforced in that some or all of each component is formed from a deformation-resistant material such as one or more types of a metal and/or a metal alloy. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the entire component (e.g., the deformation-resistant planar patch antenna element(s)shown in) is formed from deformation-resistant material. In some embodiments of the disclosure, a main body region of the component (e.g., the deformation-resistant planar patch antenna element(s)shown in) is formed from a relatively light weight material (e.g., a light weight, non-dielectric material) and the exposed surfaces of the main body region of the component is formed from a deformation-resistant material.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, some or all of the above-described components of the hardness-reinforced HGA array are formed from material that is both deformation-resistant and non-dielectric material. Non-dielectric material mitigates the impact of electrostatic discharge, extreme cold/hot temperature conditions, and high particle radiation levels on antenna performance and the material's structural integrity. More specifically, forming the dual-polarized patch antenna elements from deformation-resistant material (e.g., one or more types of a metal or a metal alloy) and forming the faceplate from non-dielectric material help to reduce the negative antenna performance that can result from the frequency shifting that results from the presence of dielectric materials in the HGA array. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the weight of the hardness-reinforced HGA array can be reduced by forming selected portions of the above-described feed network housing/support from a dielectric material substrate and using PCB fabrication technologies to form the feedback network within the dielectric material substrate. In some embodiments of disclosure, the feed network is provided in a single layer of transmission lines (or traces) that is mechanically coupled to one side of the feed network housing/support. In some embodiments of disclosure, the feed network is provided in two layers, a first one of the two feed network layers is mechanically coupled to a first side of the feed network housing/support, and a second one of the two feed network layers is mechanically coupled to a second, opposite side of the feed network housing/support. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the feed network housing/support can be formed to include a dielectric substrate region where the first one of the two layers is formed (using PCB fabrication techniques) in or on a first side of the dielectric substrate region, and the second one of the two layers is formed (also using PCB fabrication techniques) in or on a second, opposite side of the dielectric substrate region. In either the single layer feed network or the two layer feed network, the need for vias connecting multiple feed network layers is eliminated, which decreases the risk of thermal and vibration failure during the actual mission, spacecraft lunching, or through qualifications testing.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the feed network can be formed from microstrips. In general, a microstrip is a type of electrical transmission line. In known implementations, microstrips can be fabricated with any technology where a conductor is separated from a ground plane by a dielectric layer known as a “substrate.” Microstrip lines are used to convey microwave-frequency signals used by microwave components such as antennas, couplers, filters, power dividers and the like. In embodiments of the disclosure where the one or more layers of the feed network are mechanically mounted to a non-dielectric feed network housing/support, metal guards (e.g., metal guardsA shown in) are provided at selected locations of the feed network to reduce mutual coupling between sections of the feed network. The metal guards can help reduce the element-to-element surface current coupling, improve the field of view gain patterns over different azimuthal cuts, and reduce the array edge effect by enforcing the symmetry around each antenna element within the array.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the two separately-polarized connectors can be implemented as two sub-miniature version A (SMA) semi-precision coaxial RF connectors. The two separately-polarized connectors are excited to provide substantially the same amplitude and phase excitations to each dual-polarized patch antenna element. Additionally, the two separately-polarized connectors are excited with two orthogonal phases to enable dual and circular polarization capability. More specifically, the two separately-polarized connectors are configured such that a first one of the two separately-polarized connectors couples a first type of electronic communication having a first polarity type; and a second one of the two separately-polarized connectors couples a second type of electronic communication have a second polarity type. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first polarity type includes right hand circular polarization (RHCP), and the second polarity type includes left hand circular polarization (LHCP). Accordingly, each dual-polarized patch antenna element coupled to the two separately-polarized connectors can be excited with two orthogonal phases, thereby enabling a single patch antenna element to transmit/receive multiple polarity types, and eliminating the need to provide a separate patch antenna element for each polarity type. The ability to transmit/receive multiple polarity types through a single patch antenna element increases the bandwidth capability of the single patch antenna element.

A variety of suitable materials can be used to form a hardness-reinforced HGA/MGA array in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments of the disclosure, the dual-polarized patch antenna elements can be made of C360 brass then gold plated per ASTM-B-488-11 with 0.3-0.5 gm thick over electroless nickel plate per ASTM-B-733-04. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the dielectric substrate region of the feed network housing/support can be implemented as about 30-mil thick ceramic-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite that has a dielectric constant of about 2.94 and a dissipation factor of about 0.0012. The thermal coefficient of the dielectric constant can be about −50° C./+125° C.

The hardness-reinforced HGA/MGA arrays disclosed herein broadcast a modulated electromagnetic signal within some defined bandwidth. The electromagnetic power radiated from an antenna is not always isotropic (uniformly distributed in space). Instead, taking into account the polar coordinate system, the radiation pattern around an antenna can be somewhat focused along specific directions. When working with antenna arrays, the radiation pattern can be very tightly focused. The level of focusing is known as antenna gain. The antenna gain can be calculated using two quantities, namely, radiation efficiency (η) and directivity (D). Radiation efficiency (η) is defined as the ratio of total radiated power to total input power. A perfect radiator would have efficiency of 100%. Directivity (D) is defined as the maximum emitted power (per steradian) divided by the total radiated power. Thus, the antenna gain can be expressed as the product of these quantities, G=ηD. A well-designed antenna and matching network will have n very close to 100%. Gain is normally expressed in a decibel unit, dBi, by comparing G to the gain of an isotropic antenna. By definition, G=1 for an isotropic antenna, so gain in dBi=10log(ηD), making it equivalent to a standard decibel unit. The ranges for very high gain, high gain, medium gain, and low gain are depicted by the tableshown in.

Turning now to a more detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure,depicts a simplified block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a novel dual-polarized wireless communications systemA in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The systemA is a non-limiting example of how the dual-polarized wireless communications system(shown in) can be implemented in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The systemA can be implemented in a variety of mission/exploration environments, including interplanetary spacecraft missions, radio astronomy, radar astronomy and related exploration of the solar system and universe. All of these missions/environments utilize antenna-based wireless communications systems to successfully establish and maintain RF communications with other systems.

As shown in, the novel dual-polarized wireless communications systemA includes a dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array structure, a transceiver, a processorand an applications module, configured and arranged as shown. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array structureincludes a dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna arrayelectronically and mechanically coupled to a feed network. The systemA is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals. When functioning as a receiver, wireless signals in the form of radio waves are intercepted by the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array, which acts as a type of transducer that converts power associated with the intercepted radio waves to electric current (e.g., modulated AC) that is passed through the feed networkto the transceiver. The feed networkincludes conductors (e.g., transmission lines and/or traces) and other associated elements, which electronically connect the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna arraywith the transceiverand make the two components,compatible. Each type of conductor line in the feed networkhas a specific characteristic impedance, which must be matched to the impedance of the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna arrayand the transceiverto transfer power efficiently to and from the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array. If these impedances are not matched, it can cause a condition called standing waves on the feed networkin which the radio wave energy is reflected back toward the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna arrayor the transceiver, thereby wasting energy and possibly overheating the transceiver. Impedance matching adjustments can be done with a device called an antenna tuner in the transceiver, or alternatively, with a device called a matching network at the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array. The feed networkcan include circuitry (e.g., antenna tuning units, or matching networks) that impedance matches the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array, the feed network, and the transceiver.

The transceiverreceives the electric signals (e.g., modulated AC) signals from the feed network. The transceivercan include, for example, filters, and demodulators operable to extract the desired information from the electronic signals. The filters separate the desired frequency signal from all the other signals picked up by the antenna; the amplifier increases the power of the signal for further processing; and the demodulator demodulates the filtered, amplified signal to recover the desired information therefrom. The recovered information produced by the transceivercan be in a variety of forms, including sound, video, digital data, and the like. The processorreceives the recovered information from the transceiverand further prepares it for use by the applications. For example, where the recovered information is video with synchronized audio, the processorprepares the recovered video/audio information, and the applicationsinclude a component (e.g., a display) that actually uses or conveys the video/audio information to a user.

The transceiver, the processor, and the applicationsare depicted separately for ease of illustration and explanation. However, the functionality of these components can be provided in any combination. For example, the processorcan be a distributed processor having processor functionality provided throughout the components of the dual-polarized wireless communications systemA. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the processorcan include features and functionality of the computing system(shown in).

When the dual-polarized wireless communications systemA functions as a transmitter, substantially the same receiver operation described above are performed but in reverse, where the processormodulates the desired information onto a signal (e.g., modulated AC) and passes the modulated signal through the impedance matching element(s) of the transceiver, the feed networkand the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array. The dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna arrayconverts the modulated signal to electromagnetic waves (e.g., radio waves) and transmits the same.

depicts a simplified block diagram illustrating a non-limiting example of a novel dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array structureA in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array structureA is a non-limiting example of how the dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array structure(shown in) can be implemented in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. The dual-polarized hardness-reinforced antenna array structureA includes a deformation-resistant planar patch antenna arrayA, along with a feed networkA. The deformation-resistant planar patch antenna arrayA is a non-limiting example of how the deformation-resistant planar patch antenna array(shown in) can be implemented in accordance with aspects of disclosure; and the feed networkA is a non-limiting example of how the feed network(shown in) can be implemented in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

The deformation-resistant planar patch antenna arrayA includes deformation-resistant planar patch antenna element(s), a single array having dual-polarization, and an array faceplate. The feed networkA includes deformation-resistant microstrip 1-to-N corporate power divider feed networks, a deformation-resistant housing, deformation-resistant guards, and quadrature hybrid(s). An optional deformation-resistant backplane housingcan be mechanically coupled to the deformation-resistant housingof the feed networkA.